RodeoHouston review: Kenny Chesney

It’s strange to think of Kenny Chesney as part of the old guard (at least when it comes to modern country). He’s played RodeoHouston seven times, is about to release his 14th studio album and is approaching his mid-40s.

The frenzy that used to greet his live shows has been transferred to the likes of Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan. Chesney can still amp up a crowd, to be sure, but it’s all settled into a familiar groove.

His Tuesday night set, then, felt quaint and comfortable, from the T-shirt and faded jeans to the easy, breezy, non-threatening tunes. After a couple of songs, it was impossible not to nod along with the groove.

He’s still working the cowboy beach bum angle and kicked off with “Beer in Mexico” and “Keg in the Closet.” Chesney has never been a spectacular singer, and it usually takes him a few songs to settle into things.

“Pirate Flag” the first single from forthcoming album “Life On a Rock,” was greeted with polite cheers. There was more enthusiasm for familiar hits “Summertime,” “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem” and “I Go Back.”

Last year’s “Feel Like a Rock Star” was a direct miss, like your dad trying to prove he can still get wild and crazy. Chesney frequently waved to the crowd and thanked them for being there, but his energy was lower than it should have been for such a mammoth venue. When there are that many people watching (69,954, to be exact) you have to make every move count.

Chesney finally surged a bit during 1998′s “How Forever Feels, and he strapped on an acoustic guitar for standout “You and Tequila.” They weren’t big moments, but he made them count, all the way up in the cheap seats.